Jorge's earned the right for more time. On one hand there is a question about his brain -- due to concussions so that he won't catch anymore. It is a real health issue. But on the other hand, do we want Jesus to develop simply as a DH? I'd rather he spend the year catching in AAA than simple hitting in the majors. Unless Romine is to be the new catcher.

2) but it probably still won't happen regardless of his arb clock unless they get rid of Cervelli.
I don't think they want to carry three catchers, in addition to a failing dh on their roster. Nor do I think they want to use Montero as a dh.

I love the fact that the Core 4, and now the Core 3, and next year, the Core 2, have been in the family so long. For me, While winning is #1, having 'True Yankees' that we get attached to stay with the team for their career is a very close #2. Seeing the same guys year after year offers me a tremendous comfort level.

Theo is smart and 'plays' to Win. Mo Vaughn, Nomar, Damon, Pedro, Manny.... it doesn't matter how quintqicential a Red Sox you are, when you look like you MAY be no longer useful, you're gone. Our money allows us to have a bit more loyalty to our players and our fans.

And yet.......................
From a commenter on Yankee Analysts:
They have played 19 games. That’s 19 out of 162, To say, “OK Jorge, you’re out!” in the first month of the season is to basically admit that your organization is broken.

I am OK will 'too long' contracts for Bernie, Arod, Po and Mo, and to a lesser extent Jeter. After all, it may only come down to money. But here's my thought... and I'd love to discuss it.

Just because we keep our 'old boys' on the payroll, does that mean we have to play them.... or even keep them on the roster? If.... IF... the Yankees decide Posada is NOT valuable to the team, do they have to keep him on the roster just because of his contract??? The same may apply to Jeter over the next 3 years.

It is one thing to throw money at them. That's the Yankee's business, and they can afford it. But we can't afford to denigrade the team for them, can we? At what time do we cut ties?

Again, from a commenter on Yankee Analysts:
"What if the Yankees, Rays, and Red Sox are separated by one game at the end of the season?"

Hey... this happened last year, didn't it?
And we tied the Sox record a few years ago, didn't we?
It is certainly not unreasonable to see 1 or 2 games during the season decide our PS position.

It's a Moody Blues Question of Balance.
Is Cashman going to let Posada and Jeter to hurt the team?
Just to sooth their egos?

[4][5] I hope for better news, but my guess is that Montero doesn't have the D to be a starting Catcher. And after looking at Mauer, is having your best bat at C the smartesr way to go? 130 games instead of 155? All the wear and tear maybe hurting the numbers? A shortened career? I think guys who are 6'4 don't have the same longevity behind the plate as smaller guys.

Jesus can be our primary DH, and BUC for 30 games (Sorry Cervelli). He can continue to work on his D with PoToJo (Ha!) If he shows he can Catch, well... we look at that next year. Look how valuable Papi was during his prime. If Jesus can be a .900 OPS guy, he has TONS of value to us even at DH.

[6] His HRs show that he still has power, and guesses right at times. But ultimately, you have to look at OPS and wOBA as a measure of offensive production. There are a lot of old sluggers who could probably his 20 HRs in 600 ABs, But if they can only post a .700 OPS, that's a waste of the DH position. And again, If OPS placed more value on OBP then SLG, Posada's numbers would look even worse.

[8] No? Is there a (OPS) point ar which Posada should be replaced? .750? .700? Is his position secure no matter what? And how can you quote his career numbers? He's 39. Did Bernie hit his career numbers his last year? Will Jeter?

That's what getting old and declining is about. You no longer to hit your career norms.

Now Po might not be done.... meaning he may be good for an .800ish OPS. I don't think so, but I wouldn't be shocked if he did. However, the FanGraphs analysis on him was bad bad bad.

My point is: Does salary and 'True Yankee'ism guarantee you you a spot, or do you have to perform?

Great discussion. I think the bottom line is at [8]. It is simply is not smart to leave a hitter of this calibur at C, especially given what we know about the quality of his defense behind the plate. I hope the Yankees see the light and start giving him time in Scranton at the corners, both infield and outfield. Then when he finally makes the major league club, he will be capable of replacing or spelling any of those four players in addition to DHing.